Road to Ironman: Week 3 + Pushing the "Go" Button

I did it!!! I officially registered for the Couer d'Alene Ironman.  While I have been "training" for it for the past three weeks it is never fully real until you sign up for it. It was a bit terrifying signing up for it.  I know that it has been a goal of mine and I've been excited for but as I mentioned pushing the "go" button on the race made it 100% real and that was a bit nerve racking.  Undertaking the Ironman is not only a big time commitment on my part but my husbands as well so I knew that as I hit that button we were both signing up for a journey.

Despite the slight terrified feeling my finger only hovered over the button for a moment because I know that I can do it.  I fully believe that I will be an Iron(wo)man on August 22, 2016 exactly 9 months post hip surgery.  I know this for a couple of reasons: 1. I have learned to believe in myself and believe that when I set my mind to something I can complete anything. 2. Its a goal and you have to chase your goals. 3. I have the worlds best support team; my husband.  He believes 100 % in me and there is no way I want to let him down. 4. The strength that my family gives me.  While they may think that I am crazy and wonder why I am doing this I know that no matter what they will be there for me.

So, Ironman Coeur d'Alene I am coming for you!

Training Re-Cap for Week 3

This was my first real training week.  I made it through every morning workout and really noticed a difference in my strength this week.

Monday

Today was a day off from work due to the holiday and it turned out to be a nice day.  So I hopped on my bike for my second official ride of the year; a nice 28.5 miles.  I still had a hard time getting into the aero position on this ride.  Not only is my left hip flexor a bit on the week side due to the surgery but it is also really stiff so getting into aero will be a work in progress.

Tuesday

Ok it was REALLY hard for me to get out of bed this morning.  My husband basically had to force me out of the bed. I had a bit of mental issue through this swim  because of it too, just one of those days where I could not shake the negativity of not wanting to do something.  It totally affected my swim and while I got the swim done, it was not anything close to par.  Attitude is everything and I have to remember to let it all go sometimes.

I finished the day out with a heavy afternoon shoulder lift.

Wednesday

AM 1 hour spin class, always great for an amazing sweat sesh!  Forgot a bra and belt for afterwards which is always a bummer, thank goodness for a casual work attire.

PM lifted back and finished off with 25 mins on the elliptical.  I had tried to push running too soon after the surgery and had a bit of a set back from it.  That being said I decided it was best to listen to my physical therapist and if he says that the elliptical is what will get me back to running that is what I will do!

Thursday

AM Swim.  This swim was much better than the one I did on Tuesday all because I kept my attitude in check.  It is amazing what a positive attitude can do for you.  2000 yards in 35 mins where I alternated 100 with the bouy and 100 without.

Biggest  bummer... I forgot my towel... Thank goodness for the kind lady that had an extra hand towel she let me borrow :)

PM Arm day followed by some more ellipticalling (I made up a new word!)

Friday

AM Spin class.  Took me about half the class to get warmed up today hoping that as my hip becomes stronger that won't continue to happen.

PM due to extraneous circumstances I ended up taking the afternoon off which was fine because I had a long day planned for Saturday

Saturday

Its 5:30 am on a Saturday and I am wondering why in the world I signed up for this.  Once again have to thank the husband for kicking me out of bed to head to the pool for a pre 2 hour spin class swim.

1800 yd swim for 36 mins 2 hour spin class 40 min elliptical

Whew I was one whooped chica!!

Sunday

On Sundays we like to take the dog for a long walk in the mornings so we did just that.

That afternoon Brandon headed to the gym while I took off on a bike ride.  It turned out to be one of the coldest rides I've ever been on.  The thermometer said it was 45 degrees outside but I DON'T BELIEVE IT! I FROZE! Despite that I had a great ride for 38.6 miles at my fast average pace so far.   I was also able to spend a lot more time in the aero position; progress!

Great week of training as I felt like I really made some progress this week.  I am hoping to be running by the end of this coming week (week 4).

How was your training week? What helps you to motivate to get out of bed in the mornings? When you have a negative mood what do you do to turn it around?